Source: Goodell monitoring Favre situation

A person with direct knowledge of Goodell's interest said the commissioner has spoken with Packers management several times recently as tensions mounted between the three-time MVP and his team.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks.

ESPN.com first reported Goodell's interest in the Favre predicament, indicating that Goodell encouraged Packers General Manager Ted Thompson to survey teams around the league to try to find a trade partner in hopes of resolving it quickly.

And Tampa Bay is emerging as perhaps the most likely destination for Favre, although it is unclear whether Favre would be willing to play for the Buccaneers.

NFL.com reported Tuesday that the Packers had spoken to several teams to gauge their interest in a trade for Favre. Tampa Bay officials have publicly downplayed interest in trading for Favre, but Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms told the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times that Buccaneers General Manager Bruce Allen asked him about Favre last week.

Bears

Devin Hester, who has electrified the NFL with 11 punt and kickoff returns for touchdowns in his first two seasons, skipped Chicago's first training camp practice Wednesday in a holdout.

Hester, a two-time Pro Bowler, was placed on the Bears' Reserve/Did Not Report list.

"I'm not coming," Hester told the Chicago Tribune in a phone interview. "I have to make a statement. I showed by going to (organized team activities) that I was a team player. But then, I just felt like they weren't taking it seriously that I wanted to get a new deal."

Hester, who also played wide receiver last season, has two years remaining on his initial deal. He was the Bears' second round-draft pick in 2006.

"I can't go out and play this year making $445,000. Come on, man," Hester said.

On Wednesday, the Bears signed this year's first-round pick, tackle Chris Williams of Vanderbilt, to a five-year deal reportedly worth $16 million.

Saints

Wide receiver Marques Colston got his reward for playing far beyond the expectations for a seventh-round pick.

Colston, whose 168 catches are more than any NFL receiver through his first two seasons, agreed to a three-year extension that could keep him in New Orleans through the 2011 season, Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis said Wednesday night.

"It's really a tribute to how well Marques has done for us coming from Hofstra and being a seventh-round pick," said Loomis, who declined to offer financial details. "Clearly, he's been very productive, a nice surprise and a great story for us."

Colts

After a series of whirlwind negotiations, Mike Pollak, Indianapolis' top draft pick, and most of his rookie classmates will report to camp together today.

Pollak, a standout center at Arizona State who was taken 59th overall, and five other Indy draft picks agreed to four-year deals Wednesday, with Pollak expected to earn roughly $3 million, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations who requested anonymity because the contract includes a confidentiality clause.

Rams

St. Louis defensive end Claude Wroten was suspended without pay for the season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Wroten, entering his third season with the Rams, was suspended for four games last season. His draft stock fell in 2006 when he was stopped for speeding and police discovered marijuana in the vehicle.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute was dropped, but he also failed a drug test at the NFL combine.

Extra points

The Chargers released wide receiver Eric Parker on Wednesday, two days before their first full-squad practice. . . . Wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (knee) and offensive lineman Ryan Tucker (hip) were placed on the active physically unable to perform list as the Browns opened training camp. . . . Broncos receiver Rod Smith is planning to hold a news conference today amid published reports that he will retire.

Lions

Caleb Campbell will not get a chance to play for Detroit because of a change in military policy.

Campbell was a seventh-round draft pick for the Lions in April. At the time, Army policy would have allowed the West Point graduate to serve as a recruiter if he made the team.

But a subsequent Department of Defense policy has superseded the 2005 Army policy.

In a letter to Lions President Matt Millen dated Wednesday, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jonathan P. Liba wrote that Campbell has been ordered to give up professional football for "full-time traditional military duties."

Liba wrote that 2nd Lt. Campbell may ask to be released from his active duty obligations in May 2010.